Blue Water Guard raids illegal mining site in Juaboso, seizing four water pumps and nine gas cylinders

The Blue Water Guard, operating in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region, has confiscated four water pumping machines and nine gas cylinders from individuals engaging in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamseyers, during a targeted operation at Topman, a community situated near Bonsu Nkwanta.

The operation, conducted on April 7, 2026, is part of the task force's ongoing efforts to monitor and safeguard water bodies within the area.

The team's focus was on rivers within the enclave, with particular emphasis on those along the Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire boundary.

According to the District Commander of the Blue Water Guard, John Nkrumah, the team identified the Sonka River as having been severely polluted due to illegal mining activities.

He explained that upon the arrival of the task force, the illegal miners fled the scene, abandoning their equipment. Officers subsequently seized four pumping machines and nine gas cylinders believed to have been used in the operations.

Mr. Nkrumah noted that the miners depend on gas cylinders instead of petrol to run their machines.

He further claimed that those involved in the illicit activity are foreign nationals from Côte d'Ivoire.

Due to the remote location of the area, the seized items have been temporarily placed in the custody of the Topman community Chairman for safekeeping, pending retrieval by the authorities.

He further highlighted logistical challenges facing the task force, stressing the urgent need for a tricycle to facilitate the transportation of seized equipment from illegal mining sites.

No arrests were made during the operation.

The exercise forms part of intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities on water bodies.